Quebec has indicated that it will not take any extraordinary steps to lure physicians away from the US. The province is similarly not looking to attract researchers from over the border. This decision is in deep opposition to the decisions made by many other Canadian provinces. At a time when Canada can’t fill vacancies, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have rolled out recruitment drives specifically targeting American medical professionals to move north.
The Saskatchewan government just launched a campaign in the U.S. to lure physicians to the province. Most importantly, they emphasize the need for a supportive environment for healthcare practitioners. They make sure these professionals get paid what they’re worth, experience job satisfaction and work/life balance, all while benefiting from a better cost of living.
Quebec’s stance is clear. The provincial agency Santé Québec stated in writing that no additional measures are currently planned to facilitate the recruitment of American doctors. According to the agency, doctors who complete their residency training in the U.S. are required to apply for a full permit from Quebec’s College of Physicians. They will have to go through Canada’s regular immigration process in order to come to Canada.
As provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia of all places continue to make strides at reducing the barriers quebec’s sticking to its guns. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has already been urging provinces to follow Ontario’s lead. They’d like provinces to move faster on reducing interprovincial barriers and adopt mutual recognition for medical licenses. By participating in this movement, we can cut through red tape and attract talented people more effectively.
Even before the election of U.S. President Donald Trump in November, American doctors had been increasingly curious about a potential move north. Quebec’s College of Physicians has seen this spike up close. Many physicians have expressed specific interest in obtaining a license in Quebec, driven by various factors including the political climate in the U.S. The action college’s final response was the most significant qualification. IMGs have to have their medical degrees recognized and establish an equivalent credential before they can even practice in the province of Quebec.
The time it takes for a U.S. physician to obtain a license in Quebec largely depends on how quickly they can submit the required documents. For those that do qualify, the process can be pretty fast.
“For a family physician who is qualified, trained, and certified in the United States, we’re talking about a few weeks.” – Quebec’s College of Physicians
Meanwhile, Manitoba has taken steps to attract U.S. doctors by launching its own recruitment campaign shortly after the U.S. election. In fact, the province has the second lowest number of physicians per capita in the entire country. This underscores the immediate need for the government to address healthcare workforce shortages.
In Ontario, the provincial government is considering additional measures specifically aimed at easing the process for healthcare professionals seeking to work in the province. This possible change may serve to further draw attention to the varied approaches to recruitment taken by the Canadian provinces.
Quebec holds its ground on special treatment for U.S. doctors. American physicians can still get a highly restrictive license to practice in the province if they jump through a lot of hoops.
Meanwhile, other provinces are building on their recruitment successes. What impact Quebec’s move will ultimately have on its healthcare system or if the province will reconsider its stance as demand from American medical professionals surges remains to be seen.
